Program Overview

The Social and Behavioral Sciences are a cluster of disciplines that analyze basic dimensions of the human world through the application of systematic methods. Social scientists study an array of topics and deploy a multitude of theories and research methods collecting and analyzing data from participant observations, group interviews, surveys, historical documents, laboratory experiments, and more. Students who earn an AA in the Social and Behavioral Sciences analyze and evaluate the social world from the perspectives of anthropology, communication studies, economics, geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology.

The degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Social and Behavioral Sciences prepares students for a variety of careers related to education, law, social work, business, politics, and human services.

The Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed for students pursuing broad areas of study and exploration in an area of emphasis as described below. Option 1 enables students to complete the requirements for the Associate Degree.

Option 1: Cañada College Pattern
Provides an opportunity to earn an Associate in Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, which covers a broad area of study and is intended for students who may not be planning to transfer to a four-year university.

A. Complete basic competencies, including two Physical Education activity courses, and specific areas (A, B, C, D, E, F) of the General Education requirements for the AA/AS degree (22 units).

B. Complete 18 units in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Area of Emphasis as shown below.

C. Select degree applicable units in consultation with a counselor to fulfill lower-division preparation and/or electives and complete the required 60 degree applicable units for an Associate Degree.

Requirements

AA Degree Requirements Major: Core and Selective Requirements Selective Courses, choose a minimum of 18 units from the following:
Social and Behavioral Sciences. Courses must be selected from at least 4 disciplines: Units
ANTH 110 Cultural Anthropology 3 units
ANTH 125 Biological Anthropology 3 units
ANTH 126 Biological Anthropology Laboratory 1 unit
ANTH 351 Archaeology 3 units
COMM 110 Public Speaking 3 units
COMM 150 Intercultural Communication 3 units
COMM 180 Introduction to Communication Studies 3 units
ECON 100 Principles of Macro Economics 3 units
ECON 102 Principles of Micro Economics 3 units
ECON 230 Economic History of the United States 3 units
GEOG 110 Cultural Geography 3 units
HIST 100 History of Western Civilization I 3 units
HIST 101 History of Western Civilization II 3 units
HIST 104 World History I 3 units
HIST 106 World History II 3 units
HIST 201 U.S. History through 1877 3 units
HIST 202 U.S. History from 1877 to the Present 3 units
PHIL 100 Introduction to Philosophy 3 units
PHIL 160 History of Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval 3 units
PHIL 175 Modern Philosophy 3 units
PHIL 190 Contemporary Philosophy 3 units
PHIL 240 Introduction to Ethics 3 units
PHIL 300 Introduction to World Religions 3 units
PHIL 312 Introduction to Philosophy of Religion 3 units
PLSC 130 Introduction to International Relations 3 units
PLSC 150 Introduction to Political Theory 3 units
PLSC 210 American Politics 3 units
PLSC 310 California State and Local Government 3 units
PSYC 100 General Psychology 3 units
PSYC 106 Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination 3 units
PSYC 200 Developmental Psychology 3 units
PSYC 205 Social Science Research Methods 3 units
PSYC 300 Social Psychology 3 units
PSYC 340 Introduction to Human Sexuality 3 units
PSYC 410 Abnormal Psychology 3 units
SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology 3 units
SOCI 105 Social Problems 3 units
SOCI 141 Ethnicity and Race in Society 3 units
SOCI 205 Social Science Research Methods 3 units
Total Required Major Units: 18

Refer to Option 1 listed above for information on additional degree requirements that must be fulfilled in order to complete the total of 60 transferable, degree applicable units for an Associate Degree.

Please refer to the AA/AS Degree Requirements for more information.